Archives for 2013

Gold Coast Writers Festival: The Authors in Schools Program

October 27, 2013 by Vacen Taylor

Last Friday I participated in The Gold Coast Writers Festival – a Celebration of Young Writers proudly presented by the Gold Coast Writers Association.

The Authors in Schools Program

On Friday authors presented workshops and talks to children in participating schools. I was lucky enough to attend the Surfers Paradise Primary School with two other authors, Pamela Cameron Clarke and The Banjo of the Bush, Dave Farrer. As guest authors we were able to encourage children to explore the world of storytelling and poetry.

I presented a talk on comics, storyboarding and storytelling. These are subjects I’m most passionate about because I’ve collected comics for many, many years. Back when I began collecting comics there weren’t many girls who read comics let alone collected them. On Friday I was excited to find out there were many girls who enjoyed reading comics and knew a lot about comics and superheroes.

I talked a little about comics, my collection, and the one thing all writers or comic creators need to begin creating “an idea”. I also talked about graphic novels which I also collect these days too. Storyboarding is another element that can be fun for children to explore. I showed them a very basic little story that I created using a comic storyboard technique, leaving some dialogue boxes incomplete and areas that can be changed or rewritten so we could explore possible changes or additions.

We then moved on to storytelling and explored the three basic elements we need when beginning to write a story, character, setting and time by using my “Step Over the Line” technique. That was lots of fun!

I’d like to thank the Principal, Gary Ivory, the teachers, and especially the children of Surfers Paradise Primary School for allowing me to visit their wonderful school.

I’d also like to thank the Gold Coast Writers Association for asking me to participate in such a fantastic event.

I’ll leave you with a few of the wonderful comments the children wrote for me.

Thank you to all the children at the Surfers Paradise Primary School. 🙂 xx

Gameplay

October 7, 2013 by Vacen Taylor

You can stay stretched out on the sofa with your controller in your hand while you wait in the lobby for your next game to begin. Because I’m blogging about gameplay. So while you are sitting there I wonder if you know the answer to this question. Who created the first video game? Sometime ago I did a blog post for the GC Speckies: Come Play With Me that answered that question. You can find it here?

Let’s look at the term gameplay. What does gameplay mean exactly? Does it simply mean a series of choices? Or is it more about player interactions with the game’s system and other gamers? Could it be more about the challenges, motivation and the task performance that are involved? Perhaps it really means all of these things combined.

There are different types of gameplay:

Asymmetric gameplay
Cooperative gameplay
Deathmatch
Emergent gameplay
Hack and slash
Leveled gameplay
Micromanagement
Nonlinear gameplay
Twitch gameplay

Each type of gameplay has its own description, history (origin from where it developed), and variations that have evolved.

We all know today’s games can vary from light action fun to very serious out of this world experiences. This means the gameplay will differ too. Some games will have an asymmetric gameplay that will require players to make a series of choices so players can develop a connection to the characters and then set players a challenge level by level. In some gameplay like this players collect things by touching them, battling enemies, or finding a character that is captured. Other games will have a much more complex gameplay.

There are some fantastic presentations on gameplay and this is one of my favourites Lego Marvel Super Heroes: LEGO Marvel Gameplay Comic-Con

Gameplay is built on the platform of playability which includes learning, motivation, challenge, skill, emotions, interwoven stories that will challenge both the creators and the players and this, in my opinion, is the basis of great gameplay. For what are we if not challenged in some way throughout life?

May the gameplay prosper!

Gameplay Tribute

By Vacen Taylor

The Assassin’s Creed lives

And the Black Ops do their duty

Alice runs but not to the Battlefield

Spells form The Elder Scrolls

The Crysis has its recon

While Halo circles space

Treasure hides in the Borderlands

Survival drives a Tomb Raider

Grand Theft Auto moves by mission

While the Mario Bros Jump

A Need For Speed sets the pace

FIFA shoots and scores.

The gameplay is alive

And transforms energy into power

Gamers rule this world

Play hard, play well.

Next month I’m looking at superhero fiction that changed the world.

Until then, be brave and bold in your chosen field of creativity. And never be afraid to explore new techniques.

Cover Reveal Giveaway!

August 22, 2013 by Vacen Taylor

Today is the DAY! I’m thrilled, overjoyed and a little nervous. It’s the book cover reveal! In a world captivated by the visual it’s a big deal for any author. Removing a precious illustration from its safe, warm environment, being the illustrator’s hands were it has remained protected for months produces a range of emotions. Revealing any creation will do that to creators in any field of the arts. When an illustration goes out to the world readers are seeing the very first snippet of what is to come. I think it’s one of the most important moments for an author and illustrator. So today I give you…

Starchild Book Two: The City of Souls.

In The Age of Akra, a pilgrimage to the Valley of a Thousand Thoughts brings together four children as an ancient prophecy is set in motion. Having triumphed against dangerous adversaries, Mai, Long, Akra and Sahib are now pursued by the melkarie and must escape to the City of Souls. In the land of Naroan, in a city hidden under a blanket of living green, they are confronted with the challenge to find the Singing Soul.

But the underworld has other plans, and a beast so fierce is conjured to stop the children from finding anything that will add to the power to the prophecy of the seven nations.

COVER REVEAL GIVEAWAY Go to Odyssey Books to enter the giveaway. GOOD LUCK!

What Makes a Good Hero?

July 24, 2013 by Vacen Taylor

I’m asked this all the time. I come from a long history of collecting comics. Mostly superheroes. I guess that means I have a set idea of what makes a good hero. I collect more from the Marvel family than DC, but I enjoy both. These days I collect in themes and not by consecutive number. A more recent theme I’m collecting are the comics that include the destruction of the Captain America shield.

So, for me a good hero needs three things. Here’s the short answer. Courage, self-sacrifice and good moral choices.

Expanding on that.

Courage: Having the courage to face danger and adversity in my opinion is very important.
Self-sacrifice: The idea that it’s for the greater good of all humanity or an individual running into a burning building to save someone. That’s an important trait to have if you are a hero.
Good morals: Having sound morals enables a hero to make good decision when the need arises.

Comics from my collection : Avengers Annual Vol 1 No12 1983

Heroes like Captain America, She-Hulk, Thor, Captain Marvel, Starfox

Having said all that, heroes need flaws or vulnerabilities. Let’s face it, if heroes have no vulnerable aspects they aren’t believable and we won’t be cheering for them to make it through when things go wrong. Remember even Superman had a weakness to Kryptonite. Check out a scene here.

And remember sometimes heroes can turn bad if they are subjected to foreign elements. We’ve seen that happen to Spider-Man in the past.

Now what makes a good villain? Short answer. Wickedness, self-preservation and no morals.

Expanding on that.

Wickedness: Having an allegiance to wickedness provides the foundation for a great villain. The Joker, a character from Batman is a perfect example of that.
Self-preservation: The idea that it’s all about saving himself or herself first. A classic example is pushing everyone else out of the way as the villain attempts to escape a burning building while the hero runs in. Polar opposites.
No morals: meaning they have no limits to what they will do to achieve their wicked goal.

Now having said all that, villains need a strength or some vulnerabilities too. Once again if villains have no vulnerable aspects they aren’t going to be believable. Every criminal or villain has something or someone they love. That’s true in real life. In writing these characters they need something that gives them a vulnerability that can often be exploited. A classic example is the Sandman in the Spider-Man 3 movie. Watch the scene here. You can’t tell me there’s not a moment when you feel empathy for what he has become? Once a criminal on the run and now he is the Sandman, but he still loves someone.

Of course these are six basic traits I believe in, a foundation from which I can build a character. There is a lot more involved in developing a hero or a villain, the language they use, the clothes they wear, their habits and so on. The key to a good hero or villain is up to the writer.

Until next time, be brave and bold in your chosen field of creativity. And never be afraid to explore new techniques.

Insecurities: Part One

June 25, 2013 by Vacen Taylor

Are you insecure about something? Your body shape? Is your nose to big or your chin too long? Do you think you’re not as smart as all your friends? Do you doubt yourself? Do you criticise people when they succeed? Do you use foul language all the time? Are you materialistic? Well, you might be surprised by what these mean.

Everyone has insecurities and that includes your parents, other kids or adults around you, and yes, even famous people. Don’t think for a minute that it’s only you who feels this way.

There are lots of reasons why people can feel insecure. Sometimes these things are out of your control. They can be caused by difficult family situations, peer pressure, or a past failed attempt to do something. It can also be much more complicated than that. Insecurities can arise from violent or distressing situations. That’s why it’s important to realise and understand your own and other people’s insecurities.

A person who is secure in themselves has a solid understanding of who they are. They are not threatened by the brilliance of others because they appreciate their own self-worth. They believe in who they are and understand they deserve a place in the world. They also value other people and their opinions, beliefs and attitudes.

On the other hand if a person is quick to criticise you, is rude or unkind, it’s a very good indication that you may have just met an insecure person. Often this is a good way to recognise who feels good about themselves and who doesn’t. As human beings we are very good trying to hide things, but inevitably, our behaviour will always show something about who we really are.

Spotting other people’s insecurities is a good way to develop your own compassion and empathy towards others.

Overly competitive. I’ve seen this many times. People in positions of power who don’t have the self-confidence, skills or knowledge to carry out the role they have been given. Often they will make others look bad to take the emphasis away from their inability to perform their tasks. This all comes down to their own insecurity.
Those who curse or use foul language all the time. This is the tough exterior syndrome. Those who have a need to speak foul to hide a much deeper and perhaps more complex insecurity.
Most people will know this one. Those who need “material things” to show that they have made it to the big time. Some of the wealthiest people I know don’t showcase their wealth. Most people wouldn’t know they are wealthy beyond your belief. If you care too much about what other people think of how much “stuff” you have in your life, unfortunately, I’m afraid this is your insecure perception of life and success.

In the next blog post I add a few more to this list.

Note: this awareness is not provided so people can belittle or take advantage of someone who may be insecure. It’s main purpose is so people can recognise their own insecurities and work towards managing them, and also, to build people’s compassion and empathy for others who are experiencing insecurities.

For now, I’ll leave you with a quote from Devon Aoki.

Everyone has their own insecurities, regardless of how you look or how people perceive you, but sometimes people give their insecurities too much power. Defining beauty is simply a matter of opinion. For me, real beauty has very little to do with the structure of someone’s face or body. ― Devon Aoki

Until next time, be brave and bold in your chosen field of creativity. And never be afraid to explore new techniques.

Powers: Nation Building

June 2, 2013 by Vacen Taylor

When Mai is selected an ancient prophecy is set in motion. The events to come have been predicted but are not unchangeable. The struggle to bring peace to the world of powerful energies lies in the hands of these four children and a strange little lizard.

POWERS OF THE SEVEN NATIONS

FROM THE CROWN: Thoughtbankers: dwellers of the desert regions and defenders of the sand lands. Ability: to read people’s thoughts, remove and add memories and create illusions.

FROM THE THIRD EYE: Lightsealers and Darksealers: dwellers of the Valley of Beams and protectors of the polished city. Ability: to control the light and dark, and the power to know if a person is telling the truth.

FROM THE THROAT: Soundwavers: sentinels to the whole world, enslaved to uphold the laws. They are the dwellers of nowhere and everywhere. Once they were dwellers of the lost city of the Acni. Ability: to sound out a wave that has the potential to bring down buildings, injure or kill. The only nation that can move using all four elements: earth, wind, fire and water.

FROM THE HEART: Soulbankers: regulators of life and death, dwellers of the rainforest and defenders of the forest lands. Ability: to locate any person’s soul energy across the world and transform mystically into liquid air, moving with the speed of the wind. They can enter the body of anyone and use their physical form to achieve their objective.

FROM THE NAVEL: Firerulers: dwellers and champions of the canyon lands. Ability: to manipulate fire either from within or from an external source.

FROM THE SACRAL: Waterclaspers: dwellers of the ice regions and keepers of the land of ice. Ability: to manipulate water and the ability to boil or freeze it. They can also cleanse the body and heal illnesses.

FROM THE ROOT: Earthfollowers: dwellers of the rural lands and guardians of the fertile earth. Ability: to manipulate earth, including the ability to turn a person to stone. They can see other people’s mental images using their earth connection. They can also heal some illnesses.

Available at Odyssey Books here.

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